Venezuela staged a widely condemned regional election in the oil-rich Extima region. This territory is internationally recognized as part of Guyana, stoking the dispute even further. The election was meant to set up local governance in Essequibo, which has been claimed by Venezuela for centuries. It was met with a hailstorm of criticism from Guyanese lawmakers and foreign observers. The Essequibo region, an area larger than Greece, is home to an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil and other mineral deposits. Yet it quickly became the focal point of a decades-old territorial dispute between two South American countries.
In early 2020, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro commanded the establishment of a new state called “Guayana Esequiba,” including the disputed territory. Venezuelan voters overwhelmingly supported the creation of a new state in a July referendum. This decision follows on the fact that Essequibo has been effectively administrated by Guyana for nearly 60 years, since Guyana’s independence in 1966. The Essequibo River cuts through Kurupukari crossing in Guyana, emphasizing the breathtaking landscape and environmental importance of the area.
Internationally, Essequibo is recognized as part of Guyana. Moreover, the International Court of Justice has, in the past, warned Venezuela against conducting elections in that territory. Meanwhile, Venezuela continued with its electoral process. Citizens were able to elect a new governor, six deputies to the National Assembly, and seven deputies to the Assembly of Regions (regional legislative assembly).
The 125,000 residents of Essequibo did not recognize the election. They account for more than 15% of Guyana’s population and were utterly shut out from participating in the electoral process. This absence of representation led to additional doubt over the legitimacy of Venezuela’s activities across the region.
The risk has sharply increased after new finds of major offshore oil deposits in Essequibo raised the stakes for both countries. With Guyana set to soon become the world’s highest per capita oil producer, control over Essequibo is more valuable than ever.
The US State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs condemned Venezuela’s election in Essequibo as a “sham,” reflecting international disapproval of Maduro’s administration’s attempts to assert control over the territory.
“The United States rejects all attempts by Nicolas Maduro and his illegitimate regime to undermine Guyana’s territorial integrity, including this latest sham election in the Essequibo region.” – US State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
In response to Venezuela’s actions, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali characterized the election as “scandalous, false, propagandistic (and) opportunistic.” He closed by adamantly reaffirming his nation’s position on the matter, saying,
“Essequibo belongs to Guyana and we are going to do everything to ensure that Essequibo will forever be part of our 83,000 square miles.” – President Irfaan Ali
Guyana has been seeking to deepen military ties with the United States. This latest constitutional move seeks to fortify its defense towards the increasing incursions and threats by Venezuela. The dispute of Essequibo goes beyond territory. It’s a perilous and vigorous competition for pivotal natural assets that holds the power to shape the economic destinies of both nations.
As Venezuela escalates its claims over Essequibo, the international community will be keeping a close eye. Yet the situation is still fraught, including possible fallout for regional peace and South American diplomatic relations.
